For more than four decades as a urologist and prostate cancer specialist, I’ve seen firsthand how lifestyle choices profoundly impact both the prevention and progression of prostate cancer. While early detection remains critical, the daily decisions on how we eat, move, and manage chronic conditions are often what determine long-term outcomes.
E. David Crawford, M.D.
President, Board of Directors, Prostate Conditions Education Council; Professor of Urology, UC San Diego
The science is clear: What’s good for your heart is good for your prostate. Yet, too many men overlook the value of nutrition, exercise, and wellness until after a diagnosis. These habits aren’t just about feeling better; they reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and can lower the risk of recurrence of prostate cancer.
As my colleague and fellow Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC) board member, Daniel Petrylak, M.D., of Yale University, aptly states, “If you want to live longer and better with prostate cancer, even in advanced stages, it is imperative to follow an exercise regimen and a healthy diet. Often, that is better than any pill we can give you.”
I couldn’t agree more. At PCEC, we’ve led national screening, education, and advocacy efforts since 1989. Today, we focus on personalized care, guiding men through PSA testing, genomic tools, advanced imaging, and risk-based treatment decisions. These tools help reduce overtreatment while empowering men to make informed choices.
The power of healthy habits
However, no tool replaces the power of healthy habits. Men often make major changes after diagnosis, adopting better diets, exercising more, and quitting smoking or drinking alcohol. These shifts not only aid recovery but also improve overall survival. In some cases, men even outlive their pre-diagnosis life expectancy due to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.
Here are three essential steps I recommend to all men:
- Eat smart. Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Cut back on processed foods and added sugars.
- Move daily. Walking, biking, or strength training for 30 minutes a day can significantly improve health.
- Speak up. Don’t ignore symptoms. Report changes in urination, energy, or sexual function to your doctor.
Healthy habits don’t replace treatment; they enhance it. They help men tolerate therapy better, recover faster, and feel more in control.
After decades in medicine, I’ve come to believe one of the most powerful prescriptions I can offer doesn’t come from a pharmacy; it comes from choosing to live well. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or living with advanced prostate cancer, healthy habits are not just helpful; they’re essential to living longer and better.
